7StartUp Team
Short answer: Google is rolling out a Message button next to Call on Business Profiles in Google Maps, which lets customers contact you on WhatsApp or SMS. To use it, add a WhatsApp or SMS chat link in your Google Business Profile, keep your number active on WhatsApp Business, set up quick replies and a greeting and reply within minutes. Fast replies mean more customers choose you over the next listing.
Last updated: 10 November 2026.
What changed
Google's November 2026 small business update says Maps is adding a Message button beside Call on Android and iOS. It routes to the chat option on your Business Profile, such as WhatsApp or SMS. Many customers, especially younger ones, prefer to message rather than call. Now they can do it in one tap from Maps.
Features roll out gradually and may differ by country and device. Check your own profile.
How to set up chat on your Business Profile
- Search your business name on Google or open Google Business Profile in Maps while signed in.
- Go to Edit profile → Contact.
- Under Chat, choose WhatsApp (add your WhatsApp Business number or link) or Text message (add a mobile number).
- Save. It can take a short time to appear.
- Test it from another phone in Google Maps.
Make WhatsApp ready for Google leads
- WhatsApp Business app (free) or the WhatsApp Business API if you have a team or high volume.
- Business profile: logo, address, hours, website and catalogue.
- Greeting message for new chats and an away message for after-hours.
- Quick replies for prices, location, timings and booking.
- Labels such as New lead, Quote sent, Booked, Paid.
Reply fast, win the customer
Customers often message two or three businesses at once. The first helpful reply usually wins.
| Reply time | Typical result |
|---|---|
| Under 5 minutes | Highest chance of a booking |
| 30–60 minutes | Customer has probably asked others |
| Next day | Lead usually lost |
Use an AI chatbot on WhatsApp to answer instantly, share prices and book appointments, and hand over to your team for anything complex.
Turn more Maps views into messages
- Keep hours, photos and services up to date.
- Get steady Google reviews and reply to every one.
- Add products/services with prices to your profile.
- Post offers and updates regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Message button free?
Yes. Adding chat to your Google Business Profile is free. WhatsApp Business API messages may have charges.
What happened to Google Business Messages?
Google ended its own Business Messages chat in 2024. Chat now uses WhatsApp or SMS links on your profile.
Can a chatbot reply to Maps messages?
Yes, if the chat opens in WhatsApp Business API, an AI chatbot can reply 24×7 and book appointments.
Get more leads from Google Maps
We set up and manage Google Business Profiles, WhatsApp Business API and AI chatbots. See Google Business Profile Management, WhatsApp Business API and AI Chatbot Development.
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